“I consider my work bird portraits,” says artist John Costin, whose detailed prints of Spoonbills and other birds are currently on view in the History Center’s “History of Conservation” exhibit.

“I go into the field and take hundreds of photos of whatever bird I want to work on but, I study them and then put away,” the Ybor City-based artist says. “I then draw from memory, creating the backgrounds and posing the subject. I never use photographs while drawing because I do not want my subjects to look photographic. That is extremely important to me.

Costin will lead a special walk-though of “A History of Conservation: A Birds Eye View” exhibit for the next Sangria and Stories at the History Center and discus the evolution of bird art, as well as his personal printing techniques.

Designed to provide up-close access to presenters and the History Center’s galleries, Sangria and Stories is limited to 25 attendees, and includes parking in the History Center garage, a glass of Columbia Cafe sangria and an in-gallery presentation. Pre-registration is required.